VISTA: Court hearing in Grigsby case pushed back

Items seized at crime scene include firearm, antidepressants

VISTA -- A court hearing in the attempted murder case against
Reginald "Reggie" Grigsby Jr., who is accused of trying to kill his
mother at his parents' Fallbrook home, was pushed back Tuesday
until next month.

Defense counsel Gregory Emerson said there are "a lot of
factors" for attorneys to consider before proceeding, including the
Grigsby family's input on whether to lessen charges against their
son.

Grigsby Jr., a former San Diego State University football player
who was working as a football coach at Carlsbad's Army and Navy
Academy, faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted.

"It's obviously a tragic situation," Emerson said outside a
courtroom at the Vista Courthouse, before the hearing was
continued. "I think above all they're a family that wants to
heal."

Grigsby Jr.'s father, veteran Oceanside police Capt. Reginald
Grigsby, shot his son May 23 to stop the attack, sheriff's
officials have said. The younger Grigsby was treated for his wound
and later booked at the Vista jail.

Wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, Grigsby Jr. was led by bailiffs to
a holding area inside the courtroom as attorneys discussed delaying
the hearing. He looked to the room's public gallery as several
family members strained to view him from their seats.

Grigsby Jr. remained at the Vista jail Tuesday in lieu of $1
million bail.

Prosecutor Brenda Daly, who could not be reached for comment
Tuesday, suggested late last month that Grigsby Jr. ultimately may
face lesser charges after prosecutors work with his defense
attorney and consider his parents' wishes.

Also last month, Daly said it was still "very unclear" why
Grigsby Jr. argued with and allegedly tried to kill his mother. The
prosecutor confirmed that Grigsby's family reported he had a
history of mental problems, but she would not specify the problems,
and she said it is not clear if they played a role.

Desirah Grigsby, the suspect's mother, declined comment outside
the courtroom Tuesday. Unlike during a previous court hearing, she
was not wearing dark sunglasses and had no visible injuries.

"I know she cares deeply for her son and loves her son,"
Emerson, the defense attorney said. "As a mom, she wants to put her
family together and take care of her son."

There is no timetable for Capt. Grigsby's return to the
Oceanside Police Department, a police spokeswoman said. He remains
on paid administrative leave from the department.

The shooting is still being investigated by the Sheriff's
Department and Oceanside police.

Tuesday's readiness conference was pushed back to July 21. A
preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 4.

Emerson declined to comment about a list that detailed items
seized from the crime scene by sheriff's investigators. A court
document listed those items as a firearm, two expended shell
casings, a binder with diary writings, a bottle of Abilify, a
prescription medication used to treat depression, schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder; four other bottles of prescription medication and
emergency room discharge paperwork.